Luján Statement on House Inaction on RECA Extension and Expansion

Despite Bipartisan, Bicameral Support, House Fails to Pass RECA Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement following House Speaker Mike Johnson‘s failure to hold a vote on legislation to extend and expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) program:

“Since being elected to Congress, I’ve built a bipartisan coalition, worked with advocates, and secured the support of President Biden to move legislation forward to strengthen the RECA program. As a result, the Senate twice passed my bipartisan RECA legislation. This was the most significant legislative action in decades. 

“I am disappointed that Speaker Johnson sent the House home without taking action on RECA before the sunset date, putting the coverage and compensation of American families at risk. Advocates from communities nationwide traveled to Washington to make their voices heard, share their painful stories, and fight for this program. I was proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them.

“I am thankful for the partnership of Senators Josh Hawley and Mike Crapo, President Biden, and the advocates who helped build momentum and raise awareness for this critical lifeline. I am confident that the coalition we built will only get stronger.

“The fight is not over. I remain committed to providing long-overdue justice to victims and survivors and passing legislation to extend and expand RECA. I will continue having conversations with my colleagues and advocates on the best path forward and finding a legislative vehicle to advance future legislation. New Mexicans and all impacted Americans deserve justice.”

Background:

In May, Senator Luján held a bipartisan, bicameral press conference calling on Speaker Johnson to allow a vote on the Senate-passed RECA legislation.

In March, the Senate voted 69-30 to extend and expand the RECA program. This included support from Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.

In July 2023, Senator Luján secured the inclusion of RECA in the Senate-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Republican leadership ultimately blocked its inclusion in the final NDAA bill despite bipartisan support.

In June 2022, Senator Luján joined President Biden at the White House to sign a RECA extension into law.

Since being elected to Congress, Senator Luján has played a leading role in advancing legislation to strengthen the RECA program. He has introduced RECA legislation in every Congress since being elected in 2008.

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